The Evolution of U.S.-Malaysia Strategic Cooperation

The United States is looking to expand its cooperation with Malaysia to maritime security to counter increasing Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Washington and Kuala Lumpur have both emphasized ongoing priorities for bilateral cooperation, but as the U.S. administration looks to expand these priorities, the Malaysian government is wary of becoming entangled in any future U.S.-Chinese conflict. Ultimately, Malaysia's strategic interest lies with the United States, and while a recent detente between Beijing and Washington has made it easier for Kuala Lumpur to balance the two, any playing down of U.S.-Chinese tensions is temporary.